Bradl leads Crutchlow in opening Argentina MotoGP test session

LCR Honda’s Stefan Bradl has topped the opening MotoGP test session at the new Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina, topping Britain’s Cal Crutchlow by more than two seconds.

The German former Moto2 champion banged in 1’47.075 compared to Crutchlow’s 1’49.604 while Alvaro Bautista was less than a tenth further behind.

Crutchlow was impressed with the new facility, saying: "The new track is very impressive and it is a really a good facility that Argentina can be very proud of. The track is still very dirty, so we are just enjoying riding around and learning as much as possible while also feeling the emotion of being one of the first ever to ride a prototype MotoGP bike here.

"It’s incredible how many spectators came to welcome us and see us riding. Hopefully we can put on a good show next year and have a fantastic race because it certainly looks like it will take place in front of a huge crowd. The track has a good mix of long and fast corners and some are tight, so it is very important to get into a good rhythm.

"I really like Turn 6, which is a long and downhill corner. That is really cool to ride and I think the whole of the MotoGP grid is going to come here and love the track.”